The rest of the field will get that chance again Sunday as Stewart returns from a three-race absence to run in the Oral-B USA 500.

"I sent him a text as soon as I found out he was coming back," Gordon, a four-time titlist, said. "I'm very supportive of having him back. I know based on watching the press conference (Friday afternoon) how emotional this has been for him. I do think that the best thing for him is to be in that race car."

Gordon endorsed NASCAR's decision to give Stewart a waiver and an open door into the Chase for the Sprint Cup field if he wins one of the final two regular-season races.

Normally, Stewart would not have been Chase-eligible because of the races he missed. A driver must at least attempt to qualify for all 26 'regular-season' events before the Chase cutoff. NASCAR has said it will consider adjusting its eligibility rules if drivers miss races for medical reasons and other unusual circumstances.

"I think the whole intent of eligibility for the Chase is so that somebody just doesn't go take a vacation after winning a few races," Gordon said. "That's the way I look at it. It's not for unforeseen circumstances to prevent you from going out and competing in the Chase. They want the teams and the drivers who've earned their way in it and deserve to be in it. And if they win a race, then I believe they should be in it."

Meanwhile, Stewart remains under investigation in the crash that occurred in upstate New York. Ontario County (N.Y.) Sheriff Philip Povero released a statement Friday afternoon indicating the investigation will take at least two more weeks.

2012 champion Brad Keselowski didn't answer directly when asked if he favored NASCAR's waiver but said he's frustrated by what he called a lack of information about the Aug. 9 incident.

"The only real feeling I have is that there should be more information than there is," he said. "I think everyone is getting the shaft. I think everyone is trying to have an opinion without having all the information, and that's a scary place to be."

Keselowski's team owner, Roger Penske, agreed with NASCAR's decision.

"NASCAR made the right decision," Penske said from Fontana, Calif., where he is overseeing his three-driver IndyCar team in the season finale. "Obviously, they left open the opportunity if there was a situation that's come up that's not normal they can make that decision.

"I'm not part of that decision-making. I've felt for Tony and certainly for the Ward family the last number of weeks. I'm glad to see him come out. I think his words (and) thoughts today that he said personally and wrote personally were from the heart. It means a lot to me, it means a lot to people in the garage area; it certainly means a lot to his fans."

Greg Biffle, currently 11th in points, was mum on the waiver decision.

"It's good to have Tony back in the car," said Biffle. "It's a very tragic situation. I'm certainly glad he's back at the race track. I'm sure it shifts his focus. I don't really have a comment on NASCAR's decision."

If Stewart wins Sunday or next week at Richmond in the regular-season finale, he would take a Chase spot that otherwise would go to a winless driver high in the points standings.

Biffle, winless to date, is among the drivers who could qualify for the Chase through points as of Friday. There are four slots remaining if NASCAR doesn't crown a new winner this weekend or at Richmond.

Brian Vickers said the NASCAR decision is proper.

"I'm glad that NASCAR saw and understood the circumstances," he said. "As someone who has been out of the car several times for medical incidents, I'm glad to know I'd have a chance to be back in the Chase. They set a precedent with Tony. As someone who has missed races, I think it's a good one."

Tony Stewart expressed his excitement for his final Sprint Cup season, Jan. 21 during NASCAR media week, but two weeks later, Stewart-Haas Racing announced the driver would miss the beginning of the season after breaking a vertebra in his back in an ATV accident.
Mike McCarn, AP

Kevin Ward Jr. was struck and killed by a car driven by Tony Stewart during an Empire Super Sprints race at Canandaigua (N.Y.) Motorsports Park on August 9, 2014. On Sept. 24, 2014, the Grand Jury completed its investigation and announced no criminal charges would be filed against Stewart.
Cheryl Senter, AP

Stewart drives the No. 14 Chevrolet during the Feed the Children Prelude to the Dream at Eldora Speedway on June 6, 2012 in Rossburg, Ohio. Stewart bought Eldora Speedway in 2004.
Chris Graythen, Getty Images

President Barack Obama (right) talks with NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Tony Stewart during an event to honor him and the other 2011 Sprint Cup Series drivers at the White House on Tuesday, April 17, 2012.
Evan Vucci, AP

Stewart, driver of the No. 14 Office Depot/Mobil 1 Chevrolet, celebrates in after winning the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Ford 400 and the 2011 Series Championship at Homestead-Miami Speedway on November 20, 2011 in Homestead, Florida. The title was Stewart's third Cup series championship, having previously won in 2002 and 2005.
Jared C. Tilton, Getty Images

Stewart (right) celebrates atop the flag stand near fans at Daytona International Speedway after winning the 2005 Pepsi 400. According to National Motorsports Press Association (NMPA), Stewart is one of the Top 10 most popular drivers in NASCAR.
David Graham, AP

Stewart drives through the first turn at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway during the final practice session before the 85th running of the Indianapolis 500 in 2001. Stewart occasionally raced in the IZOD IndyCar series from 1996-2001.
Michael Conroy, AP

Tony Stewart (20) flies through the air after an accident during the 2001 Daytona 500. Despite winning three Cup championships and racking up 47 career wins, Stewart has yet to win a Daytona 500.
Jim Topper, AP

Stewart sits in his car in the garage area at Pocono International Raceway while talking with crew chief, Greg Zipadelli. The photo, taken in 1999, is from Stewart's rookie season in the Cup series.
Russ Hamilton, AP